“The term hidden elder is used in Chinese society to describe older adults who are socially isolated and refuse social participation. Substantial evidence has indicated the important role of social isolation in increasing psychiatric morbidity and mortality risks in later life.“

”Innovative service is promptly needed to address the social and psychological health needs of hidden elders. We aimed to test the feasibility and the preliminary effectiveness of a peer-assisted tai-chi-qigong programme in strengthening social networks and enhancing psychosocial wellbeing of Chinese hidden elders.”

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”In the 3-month tai-chi-qigong programme, participants practiced two 60-min sessions each week, during which they were paired up with socially active older adults.“

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”Participants who received the peer-assisted tai-chi-qigong programme generally showed better improvement in outcomes than the control group. With support from peer elders, the compliance rate of elders participating in tai-chi-qigong was 71%.”

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“This pilot study showed that peer-assisted tai-chi-qigong is a feasible social intervention for hidden elders. A full-scale trial is needed to assess the possible benefits for social and physical health.”

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A.W.K.Chan, et al

Effects of a peer-assisted tai-chi-qigong programme on social isolation and psychological wellbeing in Chinese hidden elders: a pilot randomised controlled trial

The Lancet — Volume 388, Supplement 1 — October 2016, Page S23

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“This study included 18,676 adults aged 80–122 years from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey…..”
“In a large sample of Chinese oldest old, we found a dose-response association between psychological wellbeing and all-cause mortality. Our results, if substantiated by future research, suggest that psychological factors in older age might have a role in longevity.”
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E.Gong, et al
Psychological wellbeing and all-cause mortality in the oldest old in China: a longitudinal survey-based study
The Lancet — Volume 388, Supplement 1 — October 2016, Page S22